While brushing and flossing are essential ways to prevent cavities, it’s hard to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth. This is particularly true when it comes to those back teeth you use to chew. As such, your dentist may suggest a dental sealant. Dental sealants can keep cavities from forming. Please continue reading to learn the potential benefits of having it applied and why connecting with our seasoned Dental sealants/Dentists Located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ is in your best interest.
What Are Dental Sealants?
A dental sealant is a thin protective coating that is patined onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, your premolars, and molars. Essentially, it acts as a barrier, preventing cavities and helping to keep teeth healthy. Sealants can last for many years. However, they are not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
According to research, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is particularly important when it comes to your children’s dental health. It’s helpful to look at dental sealants as raincoats for your teeth. When cavity-causing bacteria that live in your mouth meet leftover food debris, they produce harmful acids that can create holes in your teeth. Once a sealant is applied it keeps those food particles put in and prevents bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth.
How Are Sealants Applied?
Contrary to popular belief, having a dental sealant applied is a quick and painless process. The dentist will begin by cleaning and drying your teeth before placing an acidic gel on the surface. They will often place a piece of cotton gauze in the area to keep your teeth surfaces dry throughout the process. The dentist will paint a small amount of the acid-etching solution on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This will roughen them up, which helps create a strong bond between your tooth and the sealant.
After letting it set for a few seconds, the dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth once again before applying the material onto your enamel, where it will bond directly to your tooth. Finally, they will use a special curing blue light to harden the sealant.
What Are the Potential Benefits?
Diligent oral hygiene is crucial for removing plaque, food particles, and debris from your teeth surfaces. However, brushing and flossing can’t always reach all the necessary nooks and crannies to achieve optimal oral health. As such, sealants shield these vulnerable areas from cavities by blocking out bacteria, plaque, and food particles.
It’s important to note that sealants can be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to your teeth. Additionally, because it is transparent, dentists can monitor the tooth to ensure the sealant is working properly.
At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we are prepared to help you protect your teeth. Schedule an appointment with our team today to learn more about how a dental sealant can help safeguard your smile.
